Spread the Love

Spread the Love

The month of February is all about showing love to those you care about. While the way in which you do so may be different than in previous years, the impact is just as resounding. Connect with your loved ones, even those you may have not met yet, and continue to spread goodness and light through this coming year. Whether it’s encouraging a high school senior or supporting our furry friends at the Carolina Tiger Rescue, we could all use a little extra love!

Adopt a Chatham County High School Senior:

The original Adopt a High School Senior program originated in 2020 as a means to spread love and encouragement to graduating seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. This movement has extended to Chatham County, giving individuals an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of area seniors, at a safe distance. Asking participants to choose one, or multiple, high school seniors, chosen seniors were sent letters, cards, food and gifts from their adopters. Since the spring of 2020, communities across the United States have created their own versions of this idea, including Chatham County.

Like the event creators say, “we can become their extended family.” You can do just that for local high school seniors from the comfort of your home. To begin, join the Adopt a High School Senior 2021 – Chatham County, NC Facebook group. From there, connect with other participants in selecting a high school senior to adopt this graduation season! All Chatham County high school seniors are encouraged to participate.

Black Tie & Tails Ball:

Lions, tigers and bling, oh my! Every year, the Carolina Tiger Rescue hosts an auction to raise vital funds needed to support the lions, tigers, leopards and many others living at the sanctuary. Programs onsite provide care for the animals as well as educational programming for visitors. This year, the auction is going virtual! Beginning February 20, the Black Tie & Tails Ball is showing love to our animal friends with a virtual auction, featuring plenty of surprises and family-friendly entertainment.

It’s not a ball without a theme! Beads & Bling… It’s Mardi Gras Thing is this year’s auction and celebration theme. The silent auction goes live on Saturday, February 20 and concludes with a virtual celebration event on Sunday, February 28. What does a virtual celebration look like with the Carolina Tiger Rescue? Throw on your warmest robe and softest slippers to find out.

Each ticket or sponsorship purchase comes complete with a “Bling Bag,” a fun goodie bag to equip you with the spirit of Mardi Gras, from your couch! Purchase a “Krew Party Pack” to enhance the festivities, including additional bling and decorations, a New Orleans gift basket and four to eight Krew Card Raffle tickets, depending on purchase of the small or large pack. The Krewe Card Raffle drawing, only for sponsors and Krew Card Raffle ticket holders, will end in a lucky someone winning a $500 Amazon gift card or a “super surprise.” In addition, 100 tickets will be sold to enter the Golden Ticket drawing, with the winner having their choice of any Carolina Tiger Rescue private tour or canvas offered in the live auction.

To donate an item for the auction, click here! To purchase a ticket, click here!

Celebration Schedule: Sunday, February 28

Pre-Program: 6:30 – 7 p.m.
Settle in with your decorations and New Orleans cuisine while the pre-show begins on a loop, giving you the opportunity to keep the bidding going!

Live Program: 7 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy games, music, special shout outs and so much more! Learn about what’s new at the sanctuary from Carolina Tiger Rescue Board Chair Barbara Daniel. Finally, participate in the live auction!

Music and Wrap-Up: 8 – 8:30 p.m.
Sponsorships are also available and much needed to continue the mission of the Carolina Tiger Rescue. As one of four states without statewide laws regulating the possession of large carnivores as pets, their mission is that much more important where we live. You can help to protect these animals, working to provide them with a forever home, where they can feel safe. Make your Valentine a tiger!